The illustrious son of Parashara, born of a maiden, grew into a great yogi and a mighty sage. His name was Dvaipayana, and he became renowned in the world for his wisdom and spiritual power. Through the strength of his austerities, this blessed sage divided the four Vedas for the benefit of all beings, and thus attained the revered status of Vyasa. Owing to his dark complexion, he was also called Krishna. Endowed with truthfulness, self-control, and ascetic virtue, and free from all sin, Vyasa was born in an instant and soon after departed with his father. In the course of time, both I and you, O resplendent Bhishma, appointed him for a great purpose: to ensure the continuation of our lineage by giving good offspring in the fields of your brother. When I spoke to Vyasa of this need, he told me, “Remember me in times of hardship.” Now, O mighty-armed Bhishma, if you desire it, I shall call upon him. With your consent, that great ascetic will surely beget sons in the line of Vichitravirya. At the mention of the sage, Bhishma, with joined palms, replied, “You know the proper place and time; let it be done for the fulfillment of this purpose.” He reflected on the connection of each purpose to righteousness and desire, and their opposites, discerning with intelligence what was truly wise and beneficial for our family. “What you have spoken for our welfare greatly pleases me,” said Bhishma. Meanwhile, Krishna Dvaipayana, the sage, perceived the thoughts of his mother, Satyavati, and knowing her mind, appeared before her as she was engaged in expounding the Vedas. In a moment, he manifested there, unseen by others. After his arrival, Satyavati performed the proper rites of worship for her son. Overwhelmed with emotion, she embraced him, bathing him with tears of joy after so long a separation—tears that flowed from the heart of the daughter of Dasha. Vyasa, her eldest son, sprinkled her with water to soothe her distress and offered his respects. He then spoke gently, “Mother, I have come for whatever you desire. Command me, knower of righteousness, and I will do what pleases you.” The officiating priest then performed the rites of worship for the supreme sage, who accepted them in accordance with proper rites and mantras. Pleased by this reverence, Vyasa sat, and his mother inquired after his well-being. Then Satyavati spoke: “O sage, sons are born equally from both mother and father. As the father is their own, so too is the mother, without doubt. By ordinance, you are my eldest son. Vicitravirya is likewise my younger son; as Bhishma is from the father, so you are from the mother. As you consider yourself a brother or son to Vicitravirya, so is Bhishma, the truthful son of Shantanu, your brother in truth and resolve. He does not act regarding offspring or the rule of the kingdom; therefore, for the sake of your brother’s line and our family, you must consider this. “At the words of Bhishma, and by my command, O sinless one, and out of compassion for all beings and their protection, you must do as I say—with the wives of your younger brother, who are as radiant as the daughters of the gods. They are endowed with beauty and youth and desire sons in accordance with righteousness. You are capable, my son, of begetting offspring on them—suitable to continue this family and provide heirs.” Vyasa replied, “O wise mother, as your mind is fixed on righteousness, so is mine. At your command, I will act for the sake of dharma. I will do what you desire, for this ancient practice is known to me. I will give sons to your brother, equal in virtue to Mitra and Varuna. Let your two queens observe the vow I prescribe here for one year, as is proper, and then they will be purified. When they are ready, let them conceive at once.” He continued, “In kingdoms without a king, the people perish, left without a protector; all rites are destroyed, there is no rain, and the gods are not worshipped. How can a kingdom without a king be sustained, O lord? Therefore, let conception take place; Bhishma will raise the child. If I must give a son to my brother at an improper time, let me bear the deformity of those two; this is my highest vow. If she can endure my scent, form, appearance, and body, let Kausalya conceive an excellent child this very day. She, too, will have a hundred sons, without doubt; they will be protectors of the Kuru lineage and removers of your sorrow.” Having spoken thus, the great sage Vyasa approached Satyavati, while Kausalya, adorned and clad in pure garments, lay upon her bed. The sage, desiring union, became invisible, and the queen approached her daughter-in-law, who was alone in private. Satyavati spoke words that were righteous and full of purpose: “O Kausalya, listen to this doctrine of dharma that I tell you. The destruction of the Bharata line is certain, due to the decline of my fortune. Seeing me distressed and the ancestral line afflicted—Bhishma, wise in counsel, has advised me for the growth of this family, and this counsel depends on you, my daughter. Grant me this favor for the sake of our lineage.